Arts & Crafts at Camp

Natural Impressions: Tile Making - Campers will use our slab roller to flatten a ball of clay into tiles. They will then press natural resources from around camp, such as flowers, grasses, and twigs into the clay to create organic patterns and designs.

Coil Pots - The technique used to make these creations dates back to Ancient Greece! Campers will roll out long, cylindrical tubes of clay, then coil them into pots by gradually stacking and joining coils of clay one on top of the other.

Pinch Pots - Starting with a ball of clay, campers will use a pinching method to create a simple form of handmade pottery called a pinch pot. Creativity is encouraged as campers can create anything from creatures to jewelry dishes!

Slab Construction - Using the skills learned earlier in the week, campers will create slabs and place them together to make a larger object. Building pottery using slabs of clay is a unique way to create shapes that couldn't be made with a potter's wheel.

Wheel Throwing - Learn how to use the pottery wheel to make your own bowl, cup, plate and more!

Ceramic Mold Pouring: Slip Casting - On the first day of the ceramics course, campers choose what piece of ceramic they would like to paint and fire. This ceramic mold has already been poured and dried, but they will need to replace the one they took! We allow them to pour a replacement mold of the one they chose so a future ceramic student can choose the same.

Ceramic Painting: Glazing - After the piece is cast and fired, campers will spend a few days applying the paint-like glaze to color and seal the outer surface. Glazing takes a lot of patience, so this is a great way for campers to spend time centered and relaxed. The piece is then fired again to melt the glaze onto the surface of the clay.

Cleaning Greenware & Ceramic Firing - While their pieces are in the Kiln being fired, campers will learn how to remove the poured clay from the mold, trim up the edges, then allow it to dry and become a piece ready to paint. As they smooth up the pieces for next week’s campers, they will learn the proper use and history of kilns, the ovens used to fire their creations.

Yogurt Cheese- Campers will learn the science behind cheese making and make their own to enjoy with crackers they will make the next day.

Simple Crackers - Campers will learn how to mill their own flour and use it to make and bake crackers.

Pizza Sauce Campers will learn the nutritional benefits of various fruits and vegetables, then create a pizza sauce filled with these nutrients.

Yeast Dough Campers will learn about yeast and create their dough for the pizza crust to use the next day.

Pizza Party On the last day campers will use the skills they learned, sauce, and dough to bake their own pizzas.

Intro to Photography - After learning the fascinating history of the camera and photograph, campers will then dive into the basics of taking a great picture.

Nature's Alphabet - This is a photographer's hide and seek. The group will look for the shapes of letters out in nature and photograph them. By finding a "Y" in the shape of a tree, or an "O" in the shape of a puddle, find all 26 letters of the alphabet by the end of class!

Tricky Pics - It's all about perspective. Learn how to make the impossible happen by tricking the eye and camera with these fun and funny pictures. Campers will think of creative pictures to take and pose with their friends in this class.

Photos from the Field - Today camper's will go "on location" to get some great action shots. They may follow around the camp photographer or photograph nature i the Animal Area or on our beautiful nature trails.

Uploading, editing and storing photos - At the end of the day, photographers have to select their best pictures to present for a portfolio. Campers will go over their photos from the week, choose their best, and create a portfolio on a flashdrive to share with their peers.

Tie Dying - How can anyone think of camp and not think tie-dye?! Bring a white t-shirt or anything else white and we'll make it campy in this traditional summer camp arts and crafts class.

Friendship Bracelets - Make one for yourself and share one with a friend! This camp class is iconic and allows campers a chance to create something that is a memory keeper while gain skills in a traditional art. Advance your skills with Advanced Friendship Bracelets that teaches campers how to make really complex patterns!

Animal Origami - The art of paper folding has a rich history in Japanese culture. Campers will learn the modern forms of origami by making folded paper animals, flowers, and even 3D objects.

Sculpey Clat Art: FIMO Pens - Campers use polymer clay that bakes hard and creates intricate patterns on the outside of a pen. Campers enjoy the process of creating a unique pen to carry around in their name tag!

Beady Buddies - Create animals by stringing together colorful beads. Show off your work by attaching a keychain and displaying your beady buddy on your bag or name tag! For a more intricate craft, try "Seedy Buddies"! These beads are so small they fit on a safety pin!

Paracord Bracelets - Campers create a useful and artful survival bracelet or lanyard out of paracord that can be unbraided and used in a pinch.

Ice Cream - Exothermic reactions are chemical reactions that release heat. When campers make ice cream in this class, they see how this reaction works in a delicious way!

Pretzels - Campers will learn about chemical reactions while creating tasty pretzel bites.

Fudge Campers will learn the science behind how sugar crystalizes while creating a fudgy, gooey treat.

Oreo Truffles - Campers will create delicious Oreo truffles while learning a little science along the way.